Order pickers are key to any warehouse. After their introduction, the working environment of a warehouse is a lot safer and more productive. With effective use of an order picker, workers can undertake much more strenuous tasks without the risk of harm to themselves. But how do they fit into the workplace? What specific benefits do they bring? We endeavour to explore the ins and outs of order pickers and which models you should be looking out for below.
What are order pickers?
Put simply, an order picker is a piece of equipment that is used to pick and deliver materials needed for filling orders from storage. An order picker is also an important job for people to take up in a busy workhouse environment. Some duties include:
Managing pick ticket orders
Pulling warehouse items from the shelves based on various requirements
Ensuring the accuracy of orders
Operating warehouse equipment
Ensuring safety regulations are followed
In the case of machinery, an order picker is an electric lift truck that is used for shifting large products of various shapes and sizes. Over the years, as the e-commerce industry has grown, product sizes became more varied and often smaller, requiring machines to be more precise and adaptable.
Why would a company need an order picker?
In recent history, many companies operated without an order picker and relied on human labour to select and gather products. Workers would often use ladders to replenish stock on shelves or collect items for customers which was extremely dangerous and ineffective. Working from ladders at great height poses many health and safety risks, and is often a time-consuming task. Order pickers were introduced into warehouses and large stores to help revolutionise this step in the logistics process, as it enabled people to pick and collect items much more safely and quickly than using ladders.
Are vertical order pickers better suited to large or small facilities?
There are various models of order picker available, making finding a machine suitable for the size of your facility easy. Here at Fork Truck Direct we offer the EP Equipment, as we believe they are the most durable, cost-effective vertical order picker machines available. Whether you are looking to upgrade your current order picker or are purchasing your first model, we’re certain that we can help benefit your business for the long term.
So let’s take a look at the models you may wish to utilise for your warehouse.
EP JX0 – A game-changer
The JX0 takes safety to a greater level with built-in sensors providing extra security for the operators. The JX0 model also offers some practical support, with a document holder and a mug holder. This model is well-suited to collection centres and their smaller order pick-ups, but the intricacy is supported by the built-in safety sensors. No matter what task the staff is undertaking, they will always be protected. In addition to the easy-to-use hydraulic controls that are a trademark of the EP series, its AC drive motor also offers ergonomic power steering.
EP JX1 – A manageable model
The elevation level goes as high as 4880mm, but the mast also offers added stability. You also have a choice of batteries – you can choose either the lead-acid battery, or you can opt for a gel (AGM) battery, which is leak-proof, lightweight and doesn’t require as many safety checks. It is well suited to the e-commerce market and for picking small goods on the shop floor.
So what have we learnt? What are the benefits of using an order picker:
Better organised warehouse/storage facility: Order pickers help employees to work more efficiently as they will not leave mess or move products in a disorganised manner like a worker on a ladder may have to.
Happier workers: Order pickers reduce the manual labour of human employees and help workers complete tasks more efficiently, improving the morale of your workers and preventing employee burn out.
Improved speed: Order pickers help employee’s complete tasks much more quickly, helping to stock products and complete deliveries at a much faster rate.
Satisfied customers: As customers will receive their items much more quickly, and the order is more likely to be accurate, they will be more satisfied with your service.
Order pickers can be introduced into existing picking solutions
Order pickers can be introduced into warehouse and storage environments without causing any disruption. Bringing an order picker into your workplace will boost productivity and efficiency immediately, as the machines are straight-forward to operate so employees will not need extensive training about how to use the machines.
If you have read the above information but are still unsure which vertical order picker is right for you, don’t worry! Fork Truck Direct can help you select the perfect model. Simply contact us and let us know a bit about your business and we can help pair you with the right order picker. We will be happy to talk through any of our models in more detail and guide you through the order picker selection process. Do not hesitate to contact us today.